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12/23/2007: "Naga Cong in losing battle - Ao’s dismiss-Rio demand falls on Delhi’s deaf ears OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Naga Cong in losing battle - Ao’s dismiss-Rio demand falls on Delhi’s deaf ears OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Dec. 22: The leader of the newly-formed Congress-led Opposition coalition in Nagaland, I. Imkong Ao, is fighting a losing battle in Delhi and back home in his constituency. In Delhi, where Ao is camping at present, he has failed to convince central leaders, including President Pratibha Patil, to dismiss the Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government. He claimed that it has been reduced to a minority.
In his Assembly constituency, Jangpethong, people have barred him from entering the villages for trying to “disturb the political peace in the state”.
They have even warned people not to vote for him in the February Assembly elections or face expulsion. His village Changki, which is one of the biggest in the constituency, has expelled him from the village. Khar, the biggest village in the constituency, has resolved to set up I. Longri Ao of the village as their official candidate. The electorate has decided that no one, other than him, will be allowed to stay overnight in the village.
Ao could not be contacted for his comments, but the development would give a fillip to his detractors in the Congress. However, leaders of the NPA, which comprises Congress legislators and some DAN dissidents, are still trying to convince the Centre to impose President’s rule in the state. They have already met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, among others.
Congress parliamentary secretary and legislator K.V. Pusa said over phone that they would try to convince the Centre to dismiss the Rio government on the grounds that it has been reduced to a minority. Besides, the law and order in the state is deteriorating and corruption is rampant.
The Congress had moved a no-confidence motion on December 13, which Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie had declared defeated. On the question of President’s rule in Nagaland, Pusa said: “You have to wait and see. I don’t want to comment at the moment.” Now, the strength of the DAN government is 23 (excluding the Speaker). The Congress has 16 legislators and has the support of two JD(U) MLAs and three Independents. On December 13, the DAN government headed by Rio survived a no-confidence motion. moved by the Congress, some disgruntled legislators of the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) and three Independent MLAs.
30 days of unity move Nagarealm.com

DIMAPUR, DEC21 [NPN] : The NSCN Unification Camp Friday held ‘‘Thanks Giving prayer convocation” at the Camp to mark completion of one month of the “on-going peace and reconciliation efforts.”

Publicity cell, NSCN Unification Camp, in a press release informed that by the grace of the Almighty God, the peace and reconciliation efforts had been able to attain thirty days, bereft of hostilities and negative outcome, but positive response from various quarters to enhance the on-going unity and peace process.
“It is through His grace and the unceasing prayers of all the peace loving Naga people and their friends that blood-shed has been averted, thus far. It is further appealed by the unification team to all and sundry for your continuous moral and prayer support so that the Naga people can be unified as blood-shed in our land could cease,” the release said.

It also reminded that the ongoing process of unification of all Naga people had been undertaken through the initiative of the Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho, in consonance with the declaration for Naga unification made by Naga Hoho on December 20, 2001. Meanwhile, the NSCN Unification Camp has informed that some pseudo-national workers and anti-socials were taking advantage of the prevailing situation by indulging in kidnappings, extortions and other anti-social activities, which have been on the rise of late. The NSCN Camp informed the general public, business establishments and agencies to step up vigilance and remain cautious.
Left Front says no to PR in Nagaland The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): The DAN government in Nagaland headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio got a boost with the Left Front, which is a major constituent of the Congress-led UPA Government in the Centre, writing to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi advising against any move to impose President’s Rule in the State. In separate letters addressed to Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson, the CPI (M), CPI and the All India Forward Block pointed out that with elections in Nagaland to be held in February 2008, imposition of President Rule just two months before the election will be wrongly construed and that the image of the Congress will also suffer.
CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat while pointing out to the political situation in Nagaland stated that there was “uncertainty about the future of the government” and that given the fact that Nagaland was scheduled to have Assembly Elections in February 2008 any move to impose President’s Rule at this stage will be inadvisable. “Given the sensitive security situation in the State, it would be better to be cautious”, Karat stated in his letter addressed to the Prime Minister and hoped that all these factors will be taken into account before the government takes a decision.
The CPI General Secretary AB Bardhan in his letter to Sonia Gandhi also advised against imposing President’s Rule and pointed out that with elections just two months away, “elections should decide who is to come to power”. “With your strong democratic sense I am sure you will not like such a thing to happen especially when Nagaland and the Northeastern States have severe problems of their own. Let us not add to the problems”, Bardhan stated pointing out that imposing President’s Rule just two months before the election will be “very wrongly construed”.
With regard to the no-trust vote on December 13 the CPI General Secretary stated that “the vote is being interpreted as a vote of no-confidence though according to the direction of the Speaker of the Assembly the votes of members who have defied the party whip issued earlier are not to be counted”. The CPI informed that this order was given by the Speaker in the year 2006 and was accepted by all the parties in the Assembly including the Congress.
The All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) in its letter to the Prime Minister alleged that defections were being “corruptly engineered” to bring down a duly elected government and that the local Congress leaders were attempting to put pressure on the Centre to impose President’s Rule.
The AIFB cautioned going against constitutional propriety and stated that the Congress will not gain anything but only malign its image. “It will be construed that in view of ensuing elections in the State of Nagaland in February 2008, your party is trying to manipulate the elections by imposing President’s Rule”. The AIFB reminded that Article 356 cannot be invoked for superseding a duly constituted ministry and dissolving the assembly which has not been defeated on the floor of the house. “So imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland will bring disgrace to your party and will disturb the tranquility of the State”, the AIFB stated and hoped that the Prime Minister would prevent this with his wisdom.
On the no trust vote and the Speaker’s role, the AIFB stated that the Nagaland Assembly was like any other assembly governed by the rules framed by the Speaker in exercise of his powers under the constitution of India and pointed out that one such rule was passed on August 21, 2006 and approved by the entire house stating that the vote of any member who disobeys the whip and votes in violation thereof shall not be counted. “So when on a recent motion of no confidence, nine member of the ruling party voted against the government, their votes were not counted in accordance with the aforesaid rule and thus the motion failed in accordance with law”, the AIFB stated while adding that having been frustrated by the failure of their move, local Congress leaders were now attempting to put pressure on the Centre for imposition of President’s Rule.
Political fiasco warms up chilly Naga winter NPF dares Cong to approach Court The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): Noting the confusion over the outcome of the December 13 no-confidence motion, the NPF today issued an elaborate numerical explanation to clear the air over the votes and the position of the house. NPF chief Shurhozelie’s statement received here, explained thus: As of today, the strength of political parties in the state assembly constitutes 21 NPF legislators (including the Speaker), 4 BJP and one Independent legislator, totaling 26. The NPF added here that if resigned members Tokheho and Tali votes against the government, their votes will not be counted in the result as per the Speaker’s decision, and the government’s strength will come down to 24.
The Congress has 16 and the JD (U) has 2 legislators totaling strength of 18 as against the government’s 26. The NPF added here that Independent members are barred from voting under interim order on petition for disqualification pending against them. On December 13 when the trial of strength took place in the assembly the NPF had 18 legislators (Excluding the Speaker). 9 votes cast contrary to the Whip were not included in the counting under the Speaker’s direction under the Anti-Defection Law. The BJP had 4 and an Independent, all totaling to 23. On the other hand, the Opposition Congress had 17 legislators (including Rokonicha who resigned on December 17) and the JD (U) with 2, all totaling to 19 as against the government’s 23. (3 Independents were barred from voting).
In regard to the directions of the Speaker, the NPF explained that votes of members who vote against/contrary to Whip without mustering two-thirds majority of the legislature party, will not be counted in the results under Rule 19 of the Anti-Defection Rules of Nagaland. This direction keeps in letter and spirit the Anti-Defection Laws intact and was issued on August 21, 2006 well before one year and four months of the day on which the no-trust vote was taken. The direction was republished in the bulletin on December 12, 2007 to remind the members, the NPF pointed out. Under this direction the votes of all the 9 members who voted contrary to the NPF Whip were not counted in the result. On the interim order of the Speaker, the NPF pointed out that 3 Independents namely P Chuba, Jongshilemba and Khutovi were barred from voting by the Speaker under an interim order on the petition of disqualification filed by the NPF president. “It was alleged in the petition that these independent members had joined the NPF first by signing the NPF legislature Party rolls for all these five years, then the Congress party by signing the notice of no-confidence motion as well as informing the Speaker that they are withdrawing support to the DAN and pinning support to the Congress” the NPF stated.
Court of Law The NPF stated “the Congress party which is making so much of noise over the Speaker’s decision and the interim order has so far not gone to the court to test their validity. Instead of going to court they are going to AICC, the home minister and the Union Cabinet which are not forums for judicial review of the Speaker’s orders.” The NPF stated that the Speaker’s decisions are final under paragraph 6 of the 10th Schedule and are subject only to judicial review by the High Court and Supreme Court. “Let the Congress challenge these orders in the court and they will get the truthful legal position” the NPF dared the Opposition Congress.
Further, the behavior of the Leader of Opposition and role of the opposition bench on December 13 were not in accordance with parliamentary procedures and constitution, the party stated. In fact, the NPF informed, I Imkong took over the house “by force” and announced the results illegally. “Instead of waiting to face elections, the Congress is in a great hurry to destabilize a democratically elected majority government and is trying to capture power by shortcut methods…to overthrow a constitutionally elected government which won against the no-confidence motion by a sufficient margin it added.
NPCC censures Speaker; says DAN govt in minority Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has reminded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio that it “may not be too far for DAN Government to remain in office” and that he should be prepared to accept defeat having lost the confidence of 31 members in the 55 member House. Stating this in a press note, the NPCC through its Media Cell pointed out that it was compelled to react to the statement of Rio accusing Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) of trying to topple the DAN Government and take power through the back-door.
The NPCC claimed that the DAN Government was reduced to minority on the No-Confidence Motion when the Speaker Nagaland Assembly declared the result of the voting that took place during the one-day session. “However, the Speaker defending the minority Government in the present political crisis with the objective of favouring the DAN is very unfortunate”, the NPCC stated while expressing that view that although the Speaker had supreme authority in conducting the proceedings of the House, yet his acts should not result in creating a mockery of the Constitution.
“The interim order of the Speaker does not grant any interim disqualification. In fact, the interim order permits the members to participate in the proceedings and gives right to vote on all other questions for decision before the House. This itself indicates that the rights of the members have not been taken away and there is no interim order of disqualification. Consequently, the numerical strength of the Legislature stands unaffected and their vote is required to be taken into account”, the Congress party organization stated.
The NPCC stated that it was apparent that there was not even a prayer for an ad-interim relief or interim relief, but mere prayer for disqualification. “The action of the Speaker in proceeding to issue an interim order on such petition, apart from revealing a bias attitude also exposes the malafide intention in passing such interim order”, it stated.
With regard to Rio’s letter to the Governor on December 14, 2007 and the point raised with regard to the Speaker issuing a Direction under Rule 19 of the Nagaland Assembly’s Anti-defection Rules that the vote of any one who votes contrary to whip issued by his political party, will not be counted until the number of such votes are two-thirds of the total strength of the Legislature Party, the NPCC clarified that the provision of Rule 19 was very clear as it is for removal of ‘doubt’ in regard to ‘implementation’ of the rules, and it does not speak for removal of voting rights of the MLAs.
Claiming that the NPA was enjoying the majority support of 30 members and confident to form the Government with the mandate of the people, the NPCC stated that the desperate minority DAN Government has been making a mockery of the Constitution by accusing NPA of trying to take the power through back-door and claiming to be running a mandated Government with just 23 members.
BJP hopes UPA will not ‘murder’ democracy Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): Notwithstanding the strong demand by the Congress-led NPA to form the Government in Nagaland, the state Bharitiya Janata Party today hoped that the UPA Government would not ‘murder’ the Constitution of India and that the parliamentary democracy in India just for the sake of a few ‘flexible MLAs from Nagaland’. The state political scenario has been witnessing a power struggle between the DAN government and the newly floated Congress led-NPA after the recent spate of resignation by DAN MLAs and withdrawal of support by independent MLAs and particularly the disqualification of 12 MLA votes by the Assembly Speaker on December 13.
“The UPA Government at the centre perhaps will not murder the constitution of India and the Parliamentary democracy in India for the sake of few flexible MLAs from Nagaland,” the Nagaland BJP said in a press release issued by its Spokesman, Jonny G Rengma. The state BJP pointed out that the objective of the anti-defection bill passed by a Parliament act, was to ensure the stability of any elected government both state as well as the at the centre. Similarly, the downsizing of the council of ministers including the rightsizing of surplus government employees has been in order to minimize unnecessary expenditure of the government.
This he added has been accepted as the popular decision of the central government by the people of this country and has been respected in letter and in spirit by al the states in India. However, the state BJP wondered why Nagaland, being a Christian state, the elected MLAs should try to defeat the wisdom of the Indian Parliamentarian. “As a Christian our faith foundation should not be that weak as have been demonstrating by our MLAs in Delhi for the sake of their individual benefit,” the release said.
In this regard, the State BJP unit, ‘joining all other NGO’s of Nagaland’, conveyed its strong felling to the Naga MLAs, ex-MLAs camping in ‘a luxury resort in Delhi’ to come back to the state and celebrate the Christmas with their family members as it is the biggest festival in the state.
“Even if you (Naga MLAs camping in Delhi) forget the electorates of your respective constituencies to whom you represent, Shri Neiphiu Rio led DAN coalition government will complete its full term in the office constitutionally as mandated in the last Assembly Election,” the release affirmed and added that the people of Nagaland has again prepared to vote the DAN Government to continue beyond 2008.
Imkong trying to capture power by force: Shurhozelie (Page News Service)

Dimapur, December 22: NPF president, Dr Shurhozelie today accused Leader of Opposition, I Imkong of trying to "capture Government by physical force." He claimed that on December 13 last, Imkong "took over the House by force" and announced the results on the no-confidence motion illegally.
"By hook or crook and by physical force, Governments are not formed in democracy. Governments are also not formed by backdoor methods. One has to win the majority on the floor, failing which, one has to face elections," he reminded the Opposition leader.
In a statement, Shurhozelie claimed that instead of waiting to face elections, the Congress is in a great hurry to destabilize a democratically elected majority Government and trying to capture power by short cut methods.
"People of Nagaland have already strongly disapproved the methods employed by the Congress party to overthrow a constitutionally elected Government which won against the no-confidence motion by a sufficient margin," he added.

A new dawn of peace emerging in Nagaland Nagarealm.com


Kohima, DEC23 [IANS] : Nagaland is on the threshold of a new dawn of peace. The three warring Naga factions are poised to come together on a single platform to establish peace.

The dominant Naga factions -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issac-Muivah (NSCN-IM), NSCN (Khaplang) and Naga National Council (NNC), signed a peace pact recently. Representatives of the three Naga factions, who were sworn enemies till recently, were sharing the table and smoking the peace pipe. The peace pact is significant as it spells an end to the clashes between the cadres of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) and NNC. It is expected that the people in the State will be benefited from the latest move and the focus will shift to ensuring the State's development and economic welfare. The three main Naga factions met at the negotiation table in Kohima, after much persuasion from tribal chiefs and the state government.

The historic meeting took place under the aegis of the Joint Forum of Nagaland Gaonburas (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs). It is expected to end decades of internecine clashes between the Naga groups. Joint Forum of Nagaland GBs and DBs Convener Taku Longkumer said: "The meeting has resolved to unanimously accept and assure peace among different groups in Nagaland, without discrimination on the basis of tribes or region." Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner T N Mannen said: "It's a very positive step. We fervently hope that it will definitely lead to total peace."

More than 500 people have lost lives in the conflicts between the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in the last five years. The State Government is also lending its support to bring all factions together. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: "We want unity and that of all the Nagas, not just a section. While welcoming the unity moves, it should be ensured that all factions are brought under one umbrella so that Nagas can focus on a unified entity." With the unification process on and the peace process between NSCN (IM) and the Central Government inching towards a positive outcome, the time is not far when Nagaland turns into an oasis of peace in the North East. [Vibou Ganguly]

AASU observes black day - Students protest Rohmoria ‘atrocities’; bandh today OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Guwahati/Dibrugarh, Dec. 22: The All Assam Students Union today unfurled black flags all over the state in protest against police atrocities on residents of Rohmoria who were demonstrating on Thursday against lack of anti-erosion measures.
Rohmoria is a cluster of villages in Dibrugarh district and comes under the Lahowal Assembly constituency. It is represented by labour, planning and development minister Prithibi Majhi.
The AASU has called a Dibrugarh district bandh tomorrow in protest against the police action in Rohmoria. A 12-hour bandh has also been called in Dibrugarh district on Monday by the Rohmoria Erosion Resistance Struggle Forum and the Flood and Erosion Struggle Forum.
Announcing this yesterday, the organisations had set a three-day deadline for Dispur to suspend three police officers over Thursday’s incident. The two organisations, which have been engaged in a campaign to save Rohmoria from perennial erosion by the Brahmaputra, have called a boycott of the panchayat polls and warned all political parties against entering the area.
AASU leader Bipul Rabha said they had unfurled black flags in Dibrugarh and other districts as well as sub-divisional headquarters in the state to protest against the “unjust means adopted by the Dibrugarh district administration to disperse non-violent protesters”.
The student organisation also put up black flags in public places in Guwahati this morning.
“We observed the day as a black day all over the state to protest against the atrocities committed by the police and the CRPF on unarmed and non-violent villagers of Rohmoria on Thursday,” Rabha added. AASU assistant general secretary Rituparna Baruah said: “What we have seen in newspapers and on television — CRPF personnel targeting villagers with stones and later with their weapons — is shocking. The government will have to answer for this.”
He came down heavily on the Dibrugarh administration for failing to handle the situation. He warned that the union would intensify its agitation if the culprits were not punished. The students union has also decided to approach the State Human Rights Commission over the incident. olice were on the alert today fearing trouble, but the AASU protest passed off peacefully in the state.
MP moves SC for CBI probe into ‘ULFA links’ The Morung Express
New Delhi, December 22 (Agencies): A Bihar MP has moved the Supreme Court seeking a CBI inquiry into the alleged links of Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the outlawed ULFA and his involvement in the recent killing of Bihari migrants. Filing a PIL, Sukhdeo Paswan alleged that the Assam minister was facing TADA charges and several criminal cases but was using his political influence to subvert the law.
The petition, which primarily sought to highlight the alleged ULFA links of the minister, also talked about the minister`s suspected involvement in the killings of Bihari migrants in the state during the last one year.
According to the petition, filed through counsel C D Singh, the Assam Minister in one case had allegedly extorted over Rs 90 lakh for the banned outfit. For the said offence he was allegedly booked under the TADA on January 12 1991 at the Pan Bazar Police Station, Gauhati.
In another case pertaining to a similar extortion bid, the minister was caught “red-handed” while collecting Rs 10 lakh as extortion money from several persons for which he was booked again under TADA on March 28, 1991 at the Chandmari Police Station, the petition stated.
The state-level TADA review committee on May 8, 1997 also rejected Sharma`s appeal as there was prima facie evidence for proceeding against him on the charges, the petition said. The petition alleged that on January 8, 1997, the police in connivance with the Assam minister, ensured mysterious disappearance of files related to the said offences from the office of the Superintendent of Police.
The MP alleged that on a petition from the Assam minister a single judge of the Gauhati High Court stayed the criminal proceedings reportedly without giving an opportunity to the prosecution to present its view. The stay remained till February 2004 when the prosecution sought to withdraw the criminal proceedings on the plea that the complainant had withdrawn the case against the minister, the petition filed by the MP stated.
It further said that about 45 MPs had written letters to the President of India and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in March this year for a probe by the CBI or an independent investigating agency into the matter but no action was forthcoming till date. Hence the PIL sought appropriate directions to the Union Government for ordering a CBI probe into the minister`s activities.
Peace is free- Nagaland Post
The only thing available everywhere in abundance is violence. People hate it, yet how it comes to be in abundance poses a very serious question. Why to talk of this mighty world, when our small Nagaland has it in plenty. The most popular funny-fact is that great violence is committed so as to bring peace. Peace surely is not impossible for in the heart of heart, everyone yearns to live in peace. My fancy that at least 99.9% will opt for peace than unrest can be true if a survey on this is conducted. But how is that we observe a different situation in the present scenario? This clearly shows that people love peace only through lips, whereas in actual living they selfishness and un-forgiveness gain control over them. If this is not the case, our society's actions and its outcome would not be this bloody.
'Peace', so sweet and nice, yet so scarce is actually free. It is freely given to us and that too in abundance. The question is whether to accept this gift, value it, appreciate it and share it. Certainly there need not be any revolution or war in order to establish peace, though many prefer this way.
On the other hand, each and every individual's role becomes vital for either peace or violence in the society. Every society and any organization consist of individuals as members. So a very serious and urgent question stands: 'Do I like and love peace'?
Actually there is just one thing essential and i.e. to choose either peace or something else. When one had opted for peace genuinely with determination, even if the whole world turns against them, they can still be in peace and serenity. In the midst of all opposition their stand on truth gives them peace, clam and serenity of mind. Thus, we see here the powerful connection between truth and peace. Peace flows knowing and doing what is true. It is truth that sets one free from every bondage and when one is free, peace come. This truth again comes from the truth. There remains nothing to obstruct the freedom of peace when the truth is accepted and done. So, when everybody in the society lives the truth out, peace is established to reign.
Another important point to note is that peace is brought forth from within. It is first available inside not outside and therefore peace cannot be sought elsewhere when one is not in and at peace with oneself. If yes, live in peace and contribute to building peace. If no, there is no need of expectation for peace to flourish because violence is opposed to peace. The one who sees this peace within cannot but share and emit it everywhere. Similarly when one is peaceless within, the action done is always violent.Summarizing all these in just one line: 'Peace becomes very much impossible when absent is the prince of peace'. Kokto Kurian.
Does the country need another militant outfit? Nagarealm.com


Today, if Adivasis are taking up arms, it is the government that is responsible for it. If media reports about the involvement of an Adivasi outfit in the December 13 bomb blast of Rajdhani Express is true, it spells bad news for the state as well as the Adivasis of Assam and other places where Jharkhandi tribes exist.

It will add another undesirable chapter to militancy in this country. Today, if Adivasis have resorted to taking up arms it is because they have been betrayed by successive governments of Assam. Ever since the first batch of adivasis was brought to Assam during the British rule the community has been an exploited and neglected lot. One can understand the pre-independence exploitation and neglect by the colonial masters, but how can one excuse the continual exploitation and neglect of a community that has contributed so much for the economic prosperity of Assam, after independence. Today, the adivasis form the lowest strata of Assamese society.

Ethnic affinity knows no boundaries and that has been amply demonstrated umpteen number of times in the past. The very recent one being the sharp reaction of Tamils to the tough handling of Tamil demonstrators in Malaysia by the local authorities. In a country like India where political boundaries were drawn arbitrarily rendering people of one ethnicity divided between several states, the affinity is even stronger. Therefore, this Adivasi miltant outfit's arrival, which was much publicized by the local media, can
potentially distort peace in all the states where Adivasis exist. Already, this nation has bled enough. Do we need another militant outfit to inflict wounds at this great country of ancient people and cultures?

It is imperative for the governments in Assam and the Centre to recognize the danger and concede the justified demand of Adivasis. While it is true that the term Adivasi encapsulates within itself a conglomeration of Jharkhandi tribes, the fact is that the Adivasi community of Jharkhandi descent is essentially one ethnic block and shares a common dialect 'Sadri' though there may be minor variations in their culture. It should also be noted that though the state of Jharkhand was created recently, the Jharkhand movement itself dates back to the pre-independence era.

Some of them who are opposing the grant of ST status for Adivasis on the premise that it "would adversely affect the status of the state's indigenous people and would contribute towards further deterioration of their socio-political and economic condition", seem to go by the premise that the "well being of a community is only possible by domination of another". Such flawed logic is untenable. Also, perhaps, the indiginity clause itself needs some reconsideration. On the one hand these opponents talk about integration of the Adivasis with the Assamese society while on the other they want to deny them their basic citizenship rights. Ironically, they refer to the Adivasis, quite ignominiously, as Tea Tribes but they do not want the government to grant them Scheduled Tribe status.

If the governments decide not to grant ST status with full citizenship rights to the Adivasis of Assam, it would be akin to propagating apartheid rule, something that has almost vanished from the face of this earth, but is so reminiscent of the obnoxious colonial past. It would be an anachronism in an age when migrant people of Indian origin have grown to the level of heads of state in several countries. [Palash, indiainteracts]
6 UNLF cadres killed: AR By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 22: In a near simultaneous gun fight between security forces and UNLF cadres at S Bongjoi and Tuileng village yesterday, six UNLF cadres were killed, claimed Hqs IG AR (S) in a press release issued by its PRO. Five UNLF cadres were killed in S Bongjoi while another cadre was slain in Tuileng village encounter which took place at about 2 pm.
Moreover, AR and army troops busted a large hide out of militants in Chamol area in which a large quantity of weapons, IED materials and other stores were recovered yesterday.
One 9 mm pistol, one SLR, five magazines of AK rifle, three radio sets (Ken-wood), 100 pairs of combat dress, 200 combat belts, ten Sintex tanks, 30 Jerican, 40 blankets, three generators, two inverters, three battery, 50 litres of petrol, 50 lts of kerosene oil and a substantial quantity of materials for ma-king IEDs and also a large quantity of ration items we-re recovered from the busted hide-out, said the PRO.
With the Operation Sam-tal progressing speedily, the troops have reached within striking distance of New Samtal. Radio communication among the UG groups revealed that there have been several fatal casualties and scores of injuries on their (UG cadres) side,.
So far, a total of 170 IEDs have been recovered and destroyed, the PRO inform-ed while claiming that the lo- cal villagers are able to move around without fear of UGs or the IEDs planted by them.
Terrorism, migrants issue put up by state at CMs` conference; Role of intelligence, media also mulled The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 21: Strengthening of state machineries for gathering intelligence in respect of terrorism and suspicious elements, including outsiders and to enhance checking of illegal migrants and overstaying of foreigners in the state were among the issues taken up in the context of terrorism in Manipur at the chief ministers` conference at New Delhi on Thursday. Exploring the issues needed to be tackled by the state, the Manipur delegation led by state chief minister proposed to set up/strengthen anti-terrorism squads or special task force to deal with terrorist activities, an official source said Friday.

While stressing on the need to lay greater attention on verification of identity documents and background check on Bangladeshi migrants and overstaying foreigners, particularly Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, and suspicious movement of any outsiders in the Manipur, the delegation proposed for strengthening the state police and its special branches, the source said. A delegation from Manipur led by state chief minister O Ibobi Singh comprising of state chief secretary Jarnail Singh, principal secretary home and state DGP Y Joykumar participated in the conference of chief ministers on internal security on Thursday (December 20) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The state needs to improve the network with private security agencies, NGOs and other vigilant public groups and proactively maintain a regular dialogue with community leaders at different levels so as to detect fringe local elements who provide logistical support and `foot soldiers` to the external elements in pursuing their terrorists agenda.

Apart from strengthening of the special branches, there is need for the revival of the traditional beat constable system to gather human intelligence in respect of terrorist and suspicious elements, including outsiders, the state proposed. "It is necessary that intelligence regularly flow not only between the Centre and the state but also between the states," the state delegation stated according to the source.

For effective implementation of the state proposal it will need to establish institutionalized arrangements to facilitate smooth inter-state sharing of intelligence, in coordination with intelligence bureau, IB.

The sharing of information obtained during interrogation of arrested terrorists by some states is also equally important with the concerned authorities in other states, the state proposed. Manipur needs a massive programme of installing access control systems, CCTVs cameras etc. at public places on a priority basis in the context of management of private establishments such as malls shopping complexes, cinema halls, public parks, etc. These places need to be looked after by professional private security agencies apart from physical security, the delegation stated.

Citing that it has not been possible for the state law enforcement agencies to successfully investigate many of the cases of terrorist violence particularly in the hinterland, the state also laid emphasis on the requirement for establishing concurrent jurisdiction of a Central agency to take up investigation of selected cases of terrorism and related crimes which have inter-state/external ramifications.

The state put up the proposal in view of the fact that such cases have variably inter-state/international linkages, the source said. The need for regular sensitization of the media about the role they can play in preventing and dealing with terrorist activities also focused in the conference, the source informed.

Kuki Inpi, UNC come together in rare gesture The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Dec 21: Terming it as a historic moment, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) have finally come together and pledged to "work hand in hand" for peaceful co-existence and communal harmony amongst all the communities. Both the important tribal social organisations have also agreed to "defend and develop the common tribal interest."

The KIM and UNC in a programme they called "Get-Together " on December 15 took a decision to work for the common cause.

Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) general secretary Thangkhosei Haokip and UNC caretaker Samson Remmei informed this development to Newmai News Network this evening while appealing to all the civil society organisations not to call any bandh, strike or blockade during the Christmas and New Year season. The two organisations also appealed to all the underground groups operating in Manipur not to carry out violent activities during this festive season.

"KIM and UNC send out the joyous greetings and wish all the people a merry Christmas and a happy New Year," stated the message of the two bodies while adding, "May this Christmas and New Year bring eternal peace, communal harmony and understanding amongst all the communities."
Three things Burmese can do against China By Deirel Cinzah Mizzima News
December 22, 2007 - China is the core supporter and the backbone of Burma's military regime. It is not a secret. The Burmese military regime might have long gone without the blind political and economic support of the Chinese Communist regime. China embraced the new formed State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), which was formed in the aftermath of the 8888 national uprising when it bloodied its hands by slaughtering innocent Burmese people. And China began giving economic and political support to the regime since early 1990s. In other words, China chose the military regime over the people of Burma.
Although the people of Burma are unhappy with China's foreign policy towards Burma, they have never taken any action against China. However, things have changed after the 'Saffron Revolution' in September, 2007. The people of Burma abroad along with their foreign sympathizers held demonstrations in front of the Chinese consulates and embassies in several countries for several days. On October 9, some unknown gunmen on motorcycles opened fire at the Chinese consulate in Mandalay , the second capital city of Burma .
It would be very unwise for China not take this message seriously. The end for the military regime is near. Thus, if China wants to maintain a healthy and warm relationship with the future democratic Union of Burma for its long term interests then it is time for China to review carefully its foreign policy toward Burma . China must cease selling weapons, all military equipment and all political and economic support to the regime altogether.
It would be foolish if China thinks the people of Burma can do nothing against it. I the future Burma can take steps without causing loss to the country. First by stopping trade with China and if it happens China would lose one of its important markets that would result in huge financial loss of billions of dollars. Burma can import all the goods that it may need from other countries and can export its goods to other countries as well. More importantly, it would be big problem for China if it cannot import its energy needs such as oil, natural gas and hydro power from Burma .

Secondly, Burma can close down all Chinese military bases in its territory. It may give the Chinese bases to India if the people of Burma decide that India is worthy of reward based on its performances during their struggle for democracy. if their bases are taken by India, it would be a serious threat to China's national security.
Finally, Burma can take political and diplomatic punitive actions. Firstly, Burma can recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state as some countries do today. It can support Taiwan in the United Nations to get recognition and get a seat in the UN. Secondly, if Burma wants to take more serious action, it can even cut off diplomatic relations with China and establish formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan .
Taiwan has taken smart action, especially after the 'Saffron Revolution. Taiwan quickly condemned the Burmese military regime for cracking down on peaceful demonstrators during the 'Saffron Revolution'. Taiwan has officially announced its willingness and readiness to help Burma when Burma regains democracy, and Taiwan has formed a task force in Thailand to help Burmese activists to usher in democracy in Burma . It would go down in history and the people of Burma will remember it.